Description: Matteson, IL, also known as Park Forrest, is poised to become a pilgrimage spot for railfans. One of America's two largest railroad intersections, a self-described "cloverleaf interchange for trains," was completed in October 2011. Next to it is Rail Fan Park, featuring a platform on a 35-foot-high viewing mound where railfans can watch an average 30 trains that pass through each day. Long trains loop over themselves as they navigate the Once at Matteson, you can also walk up to the Metra boarding platform or walk along Main Street below the Metra platform to the CN ex IC /CN ex EJ&E grade crossing. Both locations are worth exploring. CN built the railfan viewing platform east of the boarding platform in 2011 that overlooks the entire wye interlocking.Matteson is one of the most important interlockings in the CN system. In the northeast quadrant, a double track loop has been constructed that goes north from the CN/EJE main and then curves west to connect with the CN/IC main. At both ends of the double track are wyes and a crossover between the two tracks permits trains travelling in either direction on CN/EJE to head north on CN/IC, and also for EB trains on CN/EJE to head south on CN/IC. The original connection in the southeast quadrant remains and enables WB trains on CN/EJE to go south on CN/IC.

Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 110+ on weekdays: 40+ CN trains per day on the CN/EJE & CN/IC together; 6 Amtrak trains per day (Including the City of New Orleans, The Illini, and the Saluki on the CN/IC; and 70+ Metra Trains on the CN/IC

Nearby RR stuff: Homewood and CN's busy Markham Yards are 5 miles north of Matteson on the CN/former IC line.

Do you have info that you could share with me. I would welcome suggestions, additions, or corrections to this page (or any page). New info will be credited on the page. e-mail me at gregariousrailfan@gmail.com